State Psychology Boards

State Psychology Boards, often under a larger behavioral health council, are government entities with the chief purpose of protecting the public by regulating the practice of psychology. They accomplish this through the licensing of psychologists and related professionals, such as psychological associates and specialists in school psychology. Licensing assures consumers that a practitioner has met rigorous academic and experiential requirements, which typically include a doctoral degree, extensive supervised experience, and passing scores on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Crucially, these boards also enforce ethical standards and the state's psychologist licensing laws, defining the legal scope of practice and providing an accountability mechanism for investigating complaints and disciplining misconduct.

The importance of this oversight is profound given the vulnerable nature of individuals seeking mental healthcare and the risks associated with unlicensed practitioners. Unlicensed individuals, who may often operate as "coaches" or "consultants," lack the formalized, science-based training necessary for accurate psychological assessment, diagnosis of mental illness, and evidence-based therapeutic intervention. This can lead to misdiagnosis, harmful or ineffective interventions, and severe ethical violations such as boundary issues or breaches of confidentiality, which can cause significant psychological harm. Since unlicensed professionals are not bound to a board's ethical code, patients have little to no recourse for professional misconduct. By restricting the title and practice of psychology to vetted, licensed professionals, State Psychology Boards ensure that the public receives competent, ethical, and safe mental and behavioral health services.

Use the resources below to learn more about your State Psychology Board.